The Mechanics of Yenagoa is like a Pandora’s box with unending gifts. It is book candy, one that is sweet to look at, and sweet to chew on. The latest Afenfia book is like a smooth blend of Irish Cream with a tang of American Honey; better still it is the world’s sweetest palmwine mixed with a bit of ogoro.
Okay, lol, I think I’m about done with the poetic. Let’s get into the review proper.
Michael Afenfia has done a great thing with this book; taking us into the minds of the average Nigerian while explaining the reasons for their vices. Reading The Mechanics of Yenagoa is like reading a manual of what it’s like to be really Nigerian.
I particularly like the fact that the book is set in a less talked about region of Nigeria, Yenagoa – a city in the South-South.
One would normally hear that the Niger Deltais an oil rich nation with starving indigenes; or that the NDDC is no longer guardian of the Niger Delta people but a predator that syphons money meant for development. However, Afenfia shows a different side of the region, one that is rarely seen by the public.
Enters Ebinimi and his cohorts of friends, family and frenemies. Oh, and the bevy of women he strings along, due to his phobia towards commitment. This phobia probably stems from the fact that his sister’s (Ebiakpo) marriage is a poor example, or because he studies for his masters degree while working as a fulltime mechanic.
Either way, Ebinimi is a flighty bird who embroils himself in misadventures, often leading to disaster. Broderick, Biodun and Saka are his employees turned family, and his love for them, and everyone else around him often leads to wrong decisions on his part.
The Mechanics of Yenagoa is chuck full of surprises, from the first page to the last. The book sucks you in like a vacuum, taking you through twists and turns that competes with the best Sidney Sheldonbook. Keeping you intrigued with bated breath, it’ll always have you asking “Wow, did that really happen? What next?”
There are so many things to compliment about this book, but foremost in my mind is the fact that it’s the first book I’ve read that’s written in Nigerian Pidgin, well written at that.
Usually, when I read through people’s attempt to write Pidgin I always end up laughing or get irritated by the poor execution.
Many a time, I’ve tried to read the news stories on BBC Pidgin, and just couldn’t get through any of their articles because some of the flowery English words don’t fit with pidgin. I do believe that BBC Pidgin should take a leaf off Michael Afenfia’s pages to get the right idea of how to write proper Nigerian Pidgin, and still retain your readers.
The fact that most of the dialogue in Afenfia’s book is written in Pidgin, makes it more authentic. Because, truly, Pidgin is the lingua franca of the South-South, and I’m glad the author stayed true to his roots.
Also commendable, are the indigenous names of most characters, such as; Ebiakpo, Ebizimor, Oputi, Adinna, Aguero and more.
Every page of The Mechanics of Yenagoa is rid with humour, and witty banter; from the bastardized lyrics sung by Saka (which leads him to success), the veiled threats made by Ebibimi’s business associates, the relationship games played by every character, to the antics of religion.
Michael Afenfia successfully weaves an interesting web, knitting together the vices of society. His writing addresses cultism, political espionage, injustice, crime, bribery, infertility, adultery, religion, blackmail, and so much more.
I have so many favorite parts in the book, in fact the entire book has become an all-time favorite. Reading the book brought a lot of movies to mind, I remember thinking of Charlie’s Angels, Omo Ghetto, and Sunday Dagboru when I came across the scene where Ebinimi was threatened by Tiekuro and his female bodyguards.
I also couldn’t help thinking of the lyrics of Falz’ song, This is Nigeria, while reading through the book. “This is Nigeria, look how we living now. Everybody be criminal,” is a perfect explanation of what The Mechanics of Yenagoa is really about.
The end of the book left me speechless, and had my mind giving me snapshots of how I felt when Okonkwo killed his son in Things Fall Apart, or when Jaja took the fall for his mother in Purple Hibiscus.
Editorially, the book is faultless – except for a few forgiveable typos. The storyline is splendid. The setting and tone, even more so. As for the book cover art? Anderson Ofuzim Oriahi did a great job! And Masobe Books did a better one by showing us that Nigerians continue to deliver great works of literature and art!
Oh, by the way, I would really like to see The Mechanics of Yenagoa on the screens.If ever my wish comes true, then the prospective production team should consider my cast suggestions below:
Ebinimi – AY Makun
Ebiakpo – Mercy Aigbe
Saka – Kenny Blaq
Biodun – Bovi Ugboma
Broderick – Funny Bone
Aguero – Mike Ezuruonye
Blessing – Funke Akindele
Agnes – Mercy Johnson
Reverend Ebizimor – Odunlade Adekoya
Tiekuro – Gabriel Afolayan
Oyintari (Sucking Blood) – Eniola Badmus
Adinna – Ini Edo
Hon. Aaron Barnabas-Treatment – Kelvin Ikeduba
Mr Freedom – Bolaji Amusan (Mr Latin)
Benson – Nkem Owoh (Osoufia)
Then appearance by Teni Apata as one of Tiekuro’s lady guard.
Would I recommend The Mechanics of Yenagoa to anyone? Of course! It is that superb. Meanwhile, I’d be praying that a movie adaptation is announced soon while y’all reading. Or should we expect a sequel?